I’m a Pharmacist: Here’s How Much I Made at My First Job
Written by
Diana Kelly Levey
Edited by
Levi Leidy
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“My first job was tutoring during the summer after I graduated from eighth grade,” says Sue Ojageer, PharmD, founder of Pharmacy Mentors in Dallas, Texas. “I started off volunteering as a tutor at my elementary school, helping run the summer school session. Alongside a few friends from my graduating class and some older students from the school, we worked with students from first grade through eighth grade, supplementing their learning and providing extra support.”
Eventually, Dr. Ojageer had more responsibilities and was compensated for the job she was doing. Especially since they added on janitorial duties like sweeping floors and cleaning bathrooms.
“I earned a total of $500 for the summer, plus bonuses for any additional projects I took on,” she said. “It was an off-the-books arrangement, and I worked about 20 to 25 hours a week in this tutoring role. The money was a nice bonus, but the real reward was the experience itself.
“I got the job through my elementary school teachers, who knew about my passion for helping others,” said Dr. Ojageer. “They saw potential in me and recommended me for the volunteer position. Eager to give back to my community and help younger students, I gladly accepted the opportunity.”
She spent the money on school supplies and a few new outfits for her move into a new high school. “I also bought a few albums and saved a portion of the money for future needs. Saving some of my earnings gave me a sense of security and responsibility, which has stayed with me ever since,” added Dr. Ojageer. “It was a thrill to have my own money to spend on things I enjoyed and needed.”
It was incredibly fulfilling to help students understand difficult concepts and see their progress, according to Dr. Ojageer. Even better? “Working alongside friends made the experience even more enjoyable.
“The interactions with the kids were joyful and motivating, and it reinforced my passion for teaching and mentoring,” she shared. “One of the most memorable experiences was working with a first grader who didn’t speak much English. He only felt comfortable with me as his tutor, and we developed a special bond. Despite the language barrier, we communicated through drawings and simple phrases. It was rewarding to see his confidence grow over the summer.
“The [maintenance] cleaning work wasn’t the most glamorous part of the job, but it taught me the value of hard work and responsibility,” said Dr. Ojageer.
“This first job taught me the importance of patience, empathy and effective communication,” she continued. “These skills have been essential in my career as a pharmacist and mentor. Additionally, it instilled in me a lifelong passion for helping others and making a positive impact in my community.
“One of the highlights for me was when the students started calling me, ‘Miss Sue,'” she said. “It made me feel respected and older, even though they were only a few years younger than me. I soon realized that respect is not about age but about the way you treat others.”
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